Club Sammich Cafe©

I love this:

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but

Less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but Learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Yes my head is full of the to do list! I have to laugh cause that is a good thing..thats life I guess. Having things to do keeps my head busy. Busy is good :)  Last night I was thinking what if I lose my sense of humor. I would be seriously screwed. I hate that word but if fits. 
I can't imagine life with out a sense of humor or a smile. Getting really mad is great once in a while. But to be like that just cause life isn't perfect as it should be. Well life isn't at all perfect and it never has been. It can be close to it. But I don't think it ever stays that way.

People are looking for a perfect this that and the other thing. I am here to say life is what we make of it. Its never perfect cause its ever changing day to day. If I had perfect I wouldn't know how to handle it. People want more this more that and I am just happy and thankful for what I do have.
I realize it can all be taken away in a heartbeat. Life is pretty precious folks. I would prefer precious any day over perfect.

I am off. Daylights a burning and I don't want to miss a second of it.

Hugs and Prayers, Always Hope

This has been a good week lots of kind surprises. Ones you don't expect :)
Then there are those that if you don't laugh or you lose your sense of humor your out of luck.

We live in a small starter ranch that was built in the early 60's. When we moved here things were great. Till the sewer crock busted  in the late winter, a lovely thing happened raw sewage in the basement. We spent a fortune having it fixed.  But it was one thing after another..in that time we did that , replaced the hot water tank that flooded the laundry room down there. Then we ended up with a furnace issue, that finally a friend happened to work for a heating and cooling company. Said replace it.Something in there was cracked and we were just lucky we did it when we did.

We have been debating the a few things lately. We have the bathroom from hell. I hate it. Its ugly old time till that small tiny stuff not all one color a mixture. The tile is ugly and the vanity on its last leg. But replacing it all is a fortune.  The facet is a forsure is going ,sink and vanity its a matter of time.

This week the guts of the toilet are on their last leg. So we were thinking replace that and we could eek it out a few more months. Not. no way!! This morning we go in there and decided till Monday. Lets shut the water off in there. NOPE!! The damn water shut off value...will not turn!! I mean its simply stuck in the one position! I had to laugh so did Hubby. So he went on a search not recalling where the shut off was as well as if he shut that off , would it shut off the Kitchen water to??? We are good the kitchen works!! But then I go to get something out of the cabinets under the kitchen sink and there is water leaking there!!! OMG!!  So I cleaned that all up. Moved the things stored there, and got rid of a few things not selvageable. One thing is we had this problem a while back, the difference is today I found the leak!! I could put a pan down there to collect things till the plumber is out the first of the week.

So we are off to price Toilets and a few things!!! I am not going to put money into something to just fix it for a few months. Since its the original toilet that came with the house.  I calling the plumber. He is pretty good. He fixed the sup-pump in the winter. He use to work for the city water dept and he is good and reliable . Most of all reasonable cost wise to.

But I have to laugh cause we just added flood insurance and i am praying nothing happens in this bathroom up here LOL. Plus Hubby brought up this kitchen leak and if it goes bad what about all the cabinets below it..and the chance of mold and my health.

Truthfully I had to laugh and later he was to. I swear its always something!! Always!

Anyways I am off . I hear those the Mens Store calling our name!!I hate those places!! Anyone know what toilets cost or things on that???? LOL

Plus if anyone has a money tree in there yard...let me know!!!

Gotta run...Hugs and Prayers. Hope

As I wrote about last night was the Kickoff for the Light The Night Walk. Its always a celebration of life and those who are totally touched(hate that word) or love someone with a form of Blood Cancer.
The stories often bring tears to my eyes and its not a bad thing. Its a stiff reminder of what these diseases bring to the person with the it but a huge reminder of what it brought to me as well as my family.
I am still in awe by some stories  and I know the stories don't end with one meeting with the word remission they will last a whole life time for all of us.
Last night I sat with Jennifer and Scott Wise. Two very special parents. Their children are Audra and Max. They are both adorable they captured my heart in a total of 2 seconds flat. Audra a blond beauty and Max a charming dark eyed boy, with a that stoled my heart.

Every year the Leukemia Lymphoma Society our Chapter here in Michigan chooses a Honored Hero . This year it is Max Wise. His story is not only his but his Families.

In talking to his Mom and Dad. I learned a lot in short time. But what amazed me most is that Max is adopted from Guatemala, two days later his Parents were told he was a very sick little boy with a rare from of  Leukemia.  Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia. His spleen was very enlarged and other then that he was a very normal  eight and half month old baby. No other signs of illness. That was in March  of 2006.
As the story goes it was a long journey to this point. Alex, received a bone marrow transplant. Umbilical Cord due to no donor available.

As of today right here in now Alex is a healthy three year old little boy. But his struggles were long and hard to get to this point. He is currently in remission an awaiting two years cancer free.:)

Alex is still dealing with graft host disease and skin problems due to his transplant. All and all he is doing well.

With the help of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. His family was helped and supported during his journey. His form of leukemia (JMML) is very rare . So his parents looked to the Society and to help find treatment along with the Doctors here.

As I sat in this room last night looking at Alex and his Family. I was blessed. I was also reminded of the importance of what the Society does for him and myself.  As well as our Families. I was reminded sitting there  that we are part of the Society and its Mission.

Roy and I walked out refreshed in our Purpose and what things can be done to help those like us.

I know many will get bored not comment cause I sound like a broken record on this subject. But sometimes part of the journey is fueled with passion for change. Thats where I seem to be in my journey.

To day I am Joining Alex's Army combining Gram's Camp(my team). In support of Alex and his Family.

More later...Hug and Prayers Hope
Ps. Picture to come of Alex. I was once a Honored Hero for Team In Training. It was one of the best honors I have ever had. Alex is pretty young to know what all the hoopla is about. But I am here to say...his story is a big motivator for me today.

Last night I was thinking about how much time is taken when your sick trying to take care of things and understanding them . One thing I didn't do was spend time being angry or sad. When I think back . Maybe I just didn't allow myself the time to do some but no two people cope the same I guess. I also think back and being angry , then staying there said meant being negative.. Now I realize it was wrong to think that. Those feelings need addressing and are pretty normal in cancer patients .

Then something happens as you work through it. At least with me it has and did.  I needed to take a full look at things and move on to make it something positive out of the experience.

One thing has happened with this Space and its a good thing. It gets the word out about this disease.  Although not many post.  I know the word is getting out when I write about it. I am not afraid to talk about it. Nor do I think keeping quiet and just sitting here not saying a word will help others.

So here is my Mission:

This Space as most know is called Club Sammich Cafe. Why is that? Most don't ask and some just plain don't know.  So here it is.

1. Club.  We belong to a club that no one ever wants to belong to. The Cancer Club.
2. My favorite Sandwich is  a  Club Sandwich or as some might say Sammich. lol I know I know Being from Michigan. We took on Club Sammich on as the name.
3. Most do not know when I finished with my first chemo treatment  monthly . I went  five times a week each month for six months.  My Husband decided each time
we were finished that we would celebrate with lunch out. Each time we ended up at this one Mexican Joint....Hence : Cafe. As I have gone through treatment to a better
point being stable. We continue to Talk about Life over lunch.

When I started this Space. It was a place just to talk like a journal and its evolved in to a forum to educate and help others.  I never fathomed how many might read it and how many links would come from it.

So many positives came out of my continuing experience with lymphoma and thats a good thing.  One thing I know is that you can be negative and not get many results. you can sit and sulk and stay in that place. Or you can get out talk about it and share. The old stigma of cancer for me is gone. One thing I have learned is that yes many die of it. And My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones. I have and its a tough thing. But if I can save one person that grief then talking about it. Getting out making it known, Is well worth the effort it takes.

I want people to to know that there are those of us out here breathing and walking around living with it daily. Its funny I have had my ups and downs with this damn disease. But all and all  there are many who pushed for me to survive it. They still do daily. So this space is really for them as well as for me.  There is a big effort to make life better for those with cancer...many positive people working towards better care and cures.  It doesn't take much for me to go out and talk amongst them and say thank you for the effort made.

Now the chore is bringing others on board to understand the fight . Thats where I come in as a patient.

So in the future you will be reading about my treatments and how I got to the other side. I really want people to know its worth the fight. I have heard to many say treatment isn't worth it lately. I am here to say . IT IS! ”I want those I sent here recently from a few different chats and forums I go to . To look on the top right and watch the: Survivor Movie.
Then you will understand my thoughts and why I stay positive daily in the fight.  Its not to say my journey was easy. Heavens no it wasn't if I said that it would be a lie. But being on the other side...brings positive reinforcement this thing can be put into a stable state even with stage4. I am proof of that.

The other thing I want all of you to know is this. I had a Grandpa with Lymphoma to. He died of lymphoma in October 1985. I never knew what kind of cancer he had. I never was told till I had it the second time.  All I knew is that he had cancer.  I remember taking him to treatment and how grueling it was. So I can attest to the new treatments out here and how very different they are. Yes chemo stinks and its tough. But when I think of my Grandpa, I got it at good time treatment and things given to help us through it are so much better then years ago. That my friends is due to research and so much going out there to help those with Blood Cancers. Minus Research there is nothing new and nothing to help us.  I am here to talk my head off about it.  I am here to bring attention to how much its changed. Had my Grandpa been alive now . He might be stable like me.  Although thats hard to know for sure. One thing I do know is if it was now. He would of had a better chance now. Just as I do and many.

So this is 2008 and its time to talk about Cancer. Not sit here and shove it under the proverbial carpet. Besides its  huge wide elephant anyways that resides with me daily and there isn't a carpet large enough to cover it.

So this Space is of great importance to me, my family and friends with lymphoma. Talking about it brings awareness and if thats my job as a survivor then its a positive one to have.

Cancer does not define at all who I am. But it gives me great purpose to go out and help Kids, Women and Men in the same situation as myself.  This is huge guys, If you only knew the half  what I will see today at the Kickoff it would blow you away.

More to come.

Hugs and Prayers Always Hope

Tomorrow is the annual  Metro Detroit Kickoff Celebrating for the Light The Night Walk with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
 I can not wait. Its the one time per year that many get together and work towards the goal of finding a cure for Blood Cancers!
Meeting a goal means fund raising and hitting the streets to talk to others in behalf of many about help for those dealing with these cancers.

This year this is very important to me . As I myself have had to take part in the LLS  Copay Assistance Program. Not only locally but in the process of applying Nationally as well.

I don't have to tell anyone the cost of copays and or medications even with prescription coverage.  So anything helps.

For those unable to take part in disability this is a great help. So I am committed to get out and fund raise to help others like myself  who have the need.

The other thing is there is a cure around the corner. In almost eleven years I have seen a lot of changes in treatments for Blood Cancers. Mainly NHL. This is a very positive thing.
Those of us out there with these cancers are RELENTLESS to find a cure.

Leukemia-Lymphoma Society
Our Mission :To Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins's Disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.  What I want you to know is this a non profit organization that relies on the generosity of corporate and  individual contributions to advance its mission.

So that said. I will do everything I can to help those fighting these diseases. Last year I walked in a cast ..IF you all remember. So no matter what I will be there rain or shine this year simply for those who can't walk. Because I can.

More about this later. My Light the Night Walk Site is on the Left. Under the Light The Night Logo. Going to Make some Changes shortly there but look for them.

Gotta Run. Team Meeting...Have a good night. Hugs and Prayers Always Hope

Its been crazy around there. Our home has been like a revolving door. Not a bad thing :)
Summer is officially here and rolling. You can tell by the boats and trailers on the road. No matter what the price of gas. They are out and about. Sticking close to home but still out there.
In the Metro Parks close by. I have seen  a lot more people on foot or bikes. The cool thing is some of the moped's out there, cause they don't take much gas and are small enough to take on the back of the car..or truck. Then drive around the parks.
Lots of people rowing boats or rafts . But still if your out by the lake a lot of boaters. I had to laugh listening about the complaints on housing a boat for the winter. I was thinking if you can't hack it sell the boat.  But what can I say...some people complain no  matter how good they got it.
No boat for me any time soon. I have a raft!! That works for me!!

So tonight we actually thought about having a our first family BBQ and Bonfire. Yup in our yard!  We were out there working this past weekend. Our oldest Son worked hard getting things in shape with the weed whacker and mover. I pulled some weeds in the back flower box's. Thinking that we might just pull out most of whats left and put down some soil feed and thick so the we get no weeds at all back there. Put some brinks and lanterns back there on hooks and be done with it.  Would cut down on the work . The lily's look great. and that would do it. 

So we are just trying to keep up with things as they come up. Seems like a never ending battle at times. But all you can do is the best you can for today.

Anyways its been really busy here but thats summer.

I am off have a great night Everyone.

Hugs and Prayers Always Hope